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PLS Series

PLS Series

Sub-Nanosecond Pulsed LEDs

Compact sub-nanosecond pulsed LEDs providing fast, stable excitation across a wide range of scientific applications. 355 – 600 nm
PLS Series interchangeable sub-nanosecond pulsed LED excitation heads for PDL drivers
Table of contents

Key Benefits

Improved data quality
Cleaner time-resolved measurements
Reliable excitation for quantitative workflows
Flexible design for diverse experiments
Consistent performance across wavelengths
Stable output at high rates

Available Configurations

Wavelengths

Wavelength (±10) [nm]
Type
Pulse (FWHM) [ps]
Max. rep. rate [MHz]
Avg. power [mW]
CW power [mW]
355
PLS-355
spec on req
spec on req
spec on req
-
370
PLS-370
< 800
40
0.008
-
405
PLS-400
< 800
40
0.05
-
450
PLS-450
< 1000
40
0.08
-
450
PLS-460
< 800
40
0.08
-
485
PLS-485
spec on req
spec on req
spec on req
-
575
PLS-575
< 1300
80
0.003
-
600
PLS-600
< 950
40
0.02
-
Detail explanations and measurements conditions for the listed specifications are provided in the datasheet.

Specifications

TypePLS 355*PLS 575**
Wavelength355 ± 10 nm575 ± 10 nm
Average power at 10 MHz1.0 μW without filter 0.5 μW with colored glass filter 1.0 μW with bandpass filter***3.0 μW without filter
Spectral width< 10 nm< 20 nm
Pulse width (typ.)900 ps< 1.3 ns
TypePLS 370****PLS 400**PLS 450PLS 600
Wavelength370 ± 10 nm400 ± 10 nm460 ± 10 nm600 ± 10 nm
Average power at 40 MHz10 μW with bandpass filter***50 μW without filter80 μW without filter 40 μW with bandpass filter***20 μW without filter 12 μW with bandpass filter***
Spectral width20 nm with bandpass filter***20 nm without filter40 nm without filter 30 nm with bandpass filter***20 nm without filter 18 nm with bandpass filter***
Pulse width (typ.)800 ps800 ps800 ps800 ps

Download the datasheet here.

* Supplied with a colored glass filter by default, a band-pass filter is available as an option for better performances.
** Emission is spectrally clean, no additional filter needed.
*** Available as an option.
**** Always supplied with a bandpass filter.

All Information given here is reliable to our best knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications and external appearances are subject to change without notice.

High-Power Picosecond Excitation Across UV, Visible and IR

Fast Sub-Nanosecond LED Excitation

The PLS Series provides the fastest miniature sub-nanosecond pulsed LED sources available, delivering clean excitation with pulse widths down to 600 ps and repetition rates up to 40 MHz. Each LED head offers stable, maintenance-free operation and covers wavelengths from UV to the visible range, making the series a compact alternative to flash lamps or Argon-ion lasers. Seamless compatibility with PicoQuant’s PDL Series drivers ensures precise control of power and timing, while interchangeable heads allow flexible wavelength selection for a broad spectrum of scientific and industrial applications.

Sepia PDL 828 operating with LDH laser heads and compatible with the PLS Series light sources for flexible multi-wavelength excitation.

Compatible Laser Driver with PLS

The PLS Series integrates seamlessly with the Sepia PDL 828, Sepia PDL 810 and PDL 800-D. These drivers provide precise control of repetition rate and output power, ensuring reliable operation and straightforward integration into time-resolved measurement setups.

TCSPC measurement of a human serum albumin (HSA) sample using the PLS-280 pulsed LED excitation source. The instrument response function shows a pulse width of about 800 ps, typical for LED-based excitation. Lifetimes below 250 ps are therefore difficult to resolve accurately, and the lower excitation power leads to acquisition times of about 12 minutes for the decay.

Supporting Broad Scientific Methodologies

With LED wavelengths spanning the UV to the visible range and delivering fast, stable sub-nanosecond pulses, the PLS Series adapts easily to different scientific fields. Their performance supports applications in life sciences, materials science, metrology, and quantum technologies, enabling robust excitation for a wide variety of time-resolved methods.

Advanced Laser Operation Modes

Pulsed, Burst, and CW Modes

In materials science, choosing the right laser operation mode is key to unlocking accurate and insightful experimental results. Relevant modes: pulsed, burst, CW, fast switched CW.
Discover operation modes
Discover How Pulsed, Burst, and CW Modes Advance Your Research Goals
Scientific Insights & Resources

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Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet PLS Series

Provides detailed specifications of these sub-nanosecond pulsed LEDs designed for flexible excitation from single-shot to 40 MHz.

Dimension Sheet PLS Pulsed Laser Diode Series

Showing mechanical layout, cable length, mounting interface, and options for collimating lenses and optical filters

Expand Your System

Compatible Laser Driver

Combine compatible components to build a complete system tailored to your experimental requirements and measurement workflows.

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